What is a Backup Sump Pump and Why Do I Need One?
During significant thunderstorms or heavy snowfalls, you rely on your sump pump to prevent flooding and damage from occurring in your basement or crawl space. Unfortunately during the powerful storms that we see quite a bit of in the Niagara Region, there’s a good chance you’ll lose power. A backup sump pump takes over when you lose power or when there’s a problem with the primary pump, reducing the likely hood of water damage and expensive repairs in your home.
Causes of Sump Pump Failure
There several other reasons your primary sump pump can fail, including the following:
- Tripped or damaged circuit breaker
- Blown fuse
- Stuck or damaged float switch
- Clogged or frozen discharge line
- Clogged water intake
- Failure of the pump’s motor
- Amount of incoming water exceeds the capacity of the pump
For these fairly common reasons, without a backup sump pump, your basement or crawl space could flood when the primary pump fails, creating the potential for expensive repair costs. The water can also soak into materials such as wood, carpeting, drywall and insulation, causing structural damage and promoting mold growth.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A backup sump pump is a secondary pump that is placed in the sump pit alongside the primary pump. It’s powered by a marine deep cycle battery which allows it to run during power outages. When power is restored, a special system recharges the battery for the next outage. Many systems offer alarms to alert you when there’s a problem with the primary pump, and they constantly monitor the status of the battery and test the pump periodically to ensure the system works when it is needed. In short, a backup sump pump will prevent you from dealing with the mess and cost of a flooded basement or crawlspace!
If you have more questions about installing a backup sump pump in your home, give us a call here at Go Green Plumbing at 289-244-9843 or email us at info@gogreenplumbing.ca !
